The financial demands of everyday life have become increasingly high over the last decade. Most households require two incomes to get by comfortably. Unfortunately, due to economic changes, pandemics and recessions, many people find themselves unemployed.
Instead of attempting to re-enter the workforce the traditional way, individuals are looking for work that can be done remotely. One of the more popular remote career options is that of a virtual assistant.
Becoming a virtual assistant is realistically achievable. If you are geared with the appropriate knowledge and have the enthusiasm to apply yourself fully, you can become successful in the industry.
Some work through virtual assistant companies while others go at it alone. This article will guide you on your journey to pursuing this occupation.
Defining What Virtual Assistants Do
A virtual assistant refers to an independent contracted individual that offers their services in exchange for a fee. These individuals are usually based remotely, and the tasks they are required to do are generally administrative.
Virtual assistants are usually contracted by small businesses, entrepreneurs, or even estate agencies. The exact duties may vary from one contract to the next.
Tasks typical to the profession can be any or several of the functions listed here:
- Data entry
- Scheduling of appointments
- Social media management
- Project management
- Customer Support
- Web design
- Travel arrangements
- Research tasks
- Management of emails
- Bookkeeping tasks
- Transcribing
- Writing blogs
- Making phone calls
- Other administrative tasks
What Skills And Tools Are Needed To Become A Virtual Assistant?
Fortunately, the career does not require any specialized certification. Almost anyone with the right attitude can become a virtual assistant. There are, however, specific skills that would be advantageous.
These skills include being detail-oriented, organized, and computer literate. Other essential skills are time management, resourcefulness, and excellent communication and writing skills.
In terms of personality, it would be beneficial to have resilience, adaptability, confidence, determination, and general enthusiasm. Due to the constant developments and changes that occur in businesses, it would also help if you are willing to learn and be flexible to the client’s needs.
In terms of equipment, you will only need to have a desktop computer or laptop, and a stable internet connection to get started.
How To Pursue This Career
To start your journey towards becoming a virtual assistant, you need to research the occupation. It would help if you had a clear understanding of what will be expected of you should you follow through.
If you prefer, you can attend a course, but it is not a necessity. You can then decide on your niche, which services you would like to offer.
The next step is to determine whether you would like to join a virtual assistant agency or if you would like to be completely independent. If you decide on the latter, you will need to create a website with all your relevant service details and the cost thereof.
Professional social media accounts should complement the website. The reason for this is to establish a consistent online presence. The final and most challenging step is finding clients.
How To Get Clients
There is no simple formula for success in this industry. It takes commitment and hard work to get ahead. There is a fundamental process that most virtual assistants follow to get started. The process is:
- Establishing a target market
- Use social channels and networking to find potential clients
- Cold pitch to prospective clients and build relationships
- Work hard and prove yourself to be a valuable asset to the client
- Maintain professionalism
- Aim for referrals
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